I have heard a lot of non-vegans questioning the narrative that a vegan diet is better for our planet. Admittedly, veganism is not perfect and an entirely vegan world is not one that I believe to be at all realistic. However, there are definitely benefits to taking on a plant based diet which I will lay out in this post.
Firstly, I’m sure you have all heard that cows produce methane which is bad for the planet as a prominent argument against eating red meat. And although this is a very small part of the influence the meat and dairy industry has on the planet, there is still a lot of truth in it. Farm animals do add to greenhouse gas levels, so more vegans, means less farm animals and a reduction in these emissions. Less farm animals also would help to solve problems such as soil compaction due to heavily grazing animals, and free up vast tracks of land that can be used for agriculture to feed more people.
But it is not only that land that can benefit from a vegan diet, the diet also has an influence on our bodies particularly helping with weight loss, and reducing the risk of prominent diseases such as heart issues, diabetes and obesity.
Vegan diets are however definitely not perfect and there are issues with the diet that do need to be addressed for example many vegan products come from overseas causing large emissions from transport, high demands for vegan food leads to industrialised agriculture, and many people rely on animal agriculture as a job. However, eating more organic foods and seasonally sourcing your fruit and vegetables can help to lessen this. Veganism is definitely not a perfect solution, but it is still a way of trying to reduce your carbon footprint and your negative impact on the planet.
Whilst many people may rely on animal agriculture for work, we have to remember that we live in a world with a food system which directly disadvantages the poorest people in the world. Many of our crops and agriculture go towards feeding farm animals rather than these people. Veganism is a step towards changing this system.
It’s not perfect, but perhaps a better option than the alternative.
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Sources:
Is Veganism Truly Sustainable?
http://eices.columbia.edu/2018/08/16/veganism-and-sustainability/
Ella's Eco Journal 